Skip to main content

Equatorial Guinea win knocked Sierra Leone off AFCON Race

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson
Sierra Leone's senior men's team(Leone Stars) aspiration to progress to the round of sixteen of the 2021-TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations came to an abrupt end on Thursday evening at the Omnisports stadium in Limbe after bowing 1-0 to their Group-E opponent Equatorial Guinea in their crunch clash.

Sierra Leone needed at least a draw against Equatorial Guinea to book a ticket to the tournament’s round of sixteen but the team guided by John Edward Keister as Head coach easily succumbed to a 1-0 defeat in the hands of Coach Juan Micha Obiang Bicogo’s men.

It was in the 38th minute when midfielder Palblo Ganet capitalized from a disorganized Leone Stars defense and slotted the ball past Sierra Leone’s youngster goalkeeper Mohamed Nbalie Kamara to put his side in front.

After that goal, the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone Stars picked up their shape and made several attempts to level the score but the Nzalang Nacional endured the pressure and protected their lead.

After 70 minutes, winger Issa Kallon was introduced in the match while defender Kelvin Wright was withdrawn. Issa wasted no time but made his presence felt when he dismantled the Equatorial Guinea defense en route to level matters for his country but he was tackled from the back and Sierra Leone was awarded a penalty in the 45th minute after his foul was noticed but ace Leone Stars forward gave away the golden chance to have restored parity for his country after his penalty kick was blocked by Equatorial Guinea’s goalkeeper Jesus Lazaro Owono Ngua.

Scoring chances were eventually created by the two teams but neither side failed to score which sealed Equatorial Guinea victory letting them progress to the continental showpiece round of sixteen with six points along with Group-E leaders Ivory Coast-(7) that had also defeated their Algerian counterpart 3-1.

However, it was AFCON debutant Comoros(3) that qualified to the round of sixteen ahead of Sierra Leone who would have earned the said spot as one of the four best losers had they secured a draw in their Thursday encounter with Equatorial Guinea.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Makeni Medical Mission Brings Hope and Healing to Bombali District

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Residents of the Asker Amputee Camp in Makeni City, including various war victims, are rejoicing over the inauguration of the Makeni Medical Mission health facility, established by philanthropist, author, and pastor Mr. Bambay Sawaneh, alongside his partners in the United States. This newly launched medical facility, comprising 11 treatment rooms, was developed with the support of Southeastern Medical International (SMI) and the Concord Christian Church. Their mission is to deliver compassionate healthcare and a range of medical services to the people of Bombali District and surrounding areas, with a particular focus on war victims and vulnerable families living in the Asker Amputee Camp at Robureh. At the official opening ceremony in Makeni city, a team of 10 medical missionaries from Southeastern Medical International, including Sheila Yates, a seasoned medical missionary with two decades of experience in the US, provided free medical care to 100 individuals,...

Yoni Chiefdom Crowns Journalist Richmond Tholley as Ceremonial Chief

By Azrat Umar Saidu Turay The ceremony which took place on Sunday, May 26th, 2025, at Yoni Bana Town within Tonkolili district brought brought together eminent personality across the Northern -East parts of Serra Leone. The event was attended by dignitaries, community leaders, family members, and well-wishers, all gathered to witness this significant moment in the history of the Yoni Chiefdom. The ceremony began with traditional rituals, including the presentation of gifts and offerings to the ancestors, symbolizing respect for the rich heritage and customs of the Yoni people.  Elders from the chiefdom, adorned in traditional attire, played a pivotal role in the proceedings, blessing Tholley and imparting wisdom as he embarks on this new journey. Richmond B. Tholley, known for his dedication to journalism and community service, expressed deep gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him.  In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the importance of unity, cultural preservation, and developm...

Loud financial silence in Leone Stars camp

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  Sierra Leone's National Men's Senior Team Leone Stars will not arrive in Liberia for their reverse AFCON Qualifiers encounter against Cote D'Ivoire on Tuesday due to unsettled bills on Ivorian soil. Even the players and officials are yet to receive a dime of their match appearance allowances. Officials from the camp when reached have preferred not to comment over the loud financial silence that has gripped the team. Mirroring deeper, it's tipped that  the heavy defeat was influenced by the demotivated camp!! 📸©: SLFA Media✍️